TV:

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and Temple Owls square off Monday at the Liacouras Center.

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs had to battle to beat the Southern Jaguars in their season opener but pulled out a 85-76 victory. What’s surprising about the game is that Louisiana Tech was one of the better defensive teams last season but allowed 44 points in the second half and was outrebounded 44-40. Offensively, the Bulldogs shot 44.1 percent from the field and got to the free throw line an incredible 40 times. Alex Hamilton led Louisiana Tech with 18 points, while Erik McCree had 17 points and eight rebounds. Kenneth Smith, the Bulldogs top player, did a nice job of picking his spots and shooting 4-7 from the field but will have to limit his four turnovers. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are widely considered to be the cream of the crop in the C-USA, but have to be a little more effective on the defensive end in order to get where they’re trying to go.

USA TODAY Sports

The Temple Owls won a ridiculous defensive battle against the American Eagles, winning 4-37. Temple shot just 22.9 percent from the field and turned the ball over 15 times, while American shot 30.8 percent and had 14 turnovers. Call it sloppy play or great defense, but Temple will take it however it can get it after last year’s nine-win season. Once Temple’s new players get used playing together, you have to believe the offense will improve. Will Cummings and Quenton DeCosey both averaged in the double figures last season but were a combined 2-20 from the field with four turnovers. The good news for Temple is that Mark Williams and Daniel Dingle, two players being asked to expand their roles, both scored 11 points each and grabbed a combined 13 rebounds. The Temple Owls are a sleeper in the American once they balance out.

The Bulldogs are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 road games and 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall. The Owls are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games and 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games.

This is an interesting line between two teams that rely heavily on the defensive side of the ball. However, Louisiana Tech is the deeper team and has more offensive firepower to pull away and cover the small number. Give me the Bulldogs.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs -3

Comments (0)

Activities offered by advertising links to other sites may be deemed an illegal activity in certain jurisdictions. Viewers are specifically warned that they should inquire into the legality of participating in any games and/or activities offered by such other sites. The owner of this website assumes no responsibility for the actions by and makes no representation or endorsement of any of these games and/or activities offered by the advertiser. As a condition of viewing this website viewers agree to hold the owner of this website harmless from any claims arising from the viewer’s participation in any of the games and/or activities offered by the advertiser.
About Us | Advertise with us | Copyright & Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Join our team